Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor in Beccles

Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor

2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Job Description
Suffolk County Council
Address: Blyburgate, Beccles NR34 9TB – On-site
Salary: £ 25,185 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council we’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As a Peripatetic Library and Information Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of your local community, helping people of all ages access the services, support and inspiration that libraries offer.

On a typical day, you might:

• Deliver excellent customer service to a wide range of visitors, including children, families and older adults.
• Support customers with using library services, from borrowing books to navigating digital resources.
• Run and support activities such as children’s story time, crafts and community events.
• Help customers with IT queries, including using mobile devices, email and social media.
• Work closely with volunteers and community groups to raise the library’s profile and deliver outreach services.
• Carry out core library tasks such as shelving, stock management, taking payments and creating displays.

This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.

Based at Beccles Library you will regularly provide cover at the following libraries: Bungay, Lowestoft, Kessingland, Halesworth and Southwold. There is an expectation of travel to other libraries as and when required up to 1:15 minutes travelling distance from your base at Beccles Library. An essential part of this role is weekend working.

You will need

We’re looking for someone who:

• Can deliver great customer service to people of all ages.
• Communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues and the wider community.
• Is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions.
• Is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too.
• Works well as part of a team and is happy to support colleagues.
• Is willing to learn and carry out the full range of library procedures, including shelving, lending, self‑service support, taking payments, stock work, displays and rearranging the library space when needed.

If you’ve worked in a customer‑facing role, enjoy helping people and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

How To Apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).

Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.

• Tell us about a time you had to explain something complex to someone unfamiliar with the topic. How did you ensure they understood?
• Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to a change in your work environment or responsibilities. How did you handle it?
• Can you share an experience where you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation? How did you maintain professionalism and resolve the issue?
• Describe a time when you had to work alone and manage multiple tasks. How did you prioritise your workload and ensure all responsibilities were met?

Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next stage of selection, contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11:30pm, 15 October 2025

Interview date: 23 October 2025

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments, visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

The team

You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.

Contact – Charmain Osborne – casual conversation. Call 01473 927260 or email Charmain.Osborne@suffolk.gov.uk